When you look at them, anchovies might look like little fishy treats, but are they safe for dogs to eat? Find out if they are healthy for your dog and if they are safe to eat by reading this guide.
While anchovies are a great high-protein snack for your pet, there are some risks you should be aware of before giving them to your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Anchovies?
Anchovies are safe for dogs to eat, with a few exceptions. Aside from being a delicious addition to your dog’s diet, anchovies provide a number of important health benefits.
It’s possible that the omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamins A, B, D, and E in these be beneficial to your dog’s health.
While the tiny fish have many health benefits, you should be aware that their oil and salt content is relatively high. If you feed your dog anchovies, keep an eye out for any signs of an allergy, as some dogs are sensitive to fish.
What Are Anchovies?
Small silver fish called anchovies can be found in temperate oceans all over the world. They are similar in appearance to sardines. They can reach a length of six inches and swim in schools, with the plankton they consume making up the bulk of their diet. The oil in anchovies, which makes them a good source of healthy omega-3s, can reach up to 30%.
These fatty, salty fish are frequently used as a garnish or seasoning in Mediterranean cuisine. You can eat them in a variety of forms, such as pasta, pizza, sauces, or even as a standalone appetizer.
These tiny fish are commonly sold in olive oil or salted water in tiny tins, but you can also find them pickled in jars, dried in bags, tubed as anchovy paste, and sold fresh at fish markets.
Are Anchovies Safe For Dogs
Not everything that can be consumed by humans is also appropriate for canines.
Having lived in polluted waters, anchovies may have traces of heavy metals and possibly some industrial toxins.
Your pet will not get mercury poisoning from eating anchovies. High levels of metals in fish are a greater concern for carnivorous fish (like mackerel and tuna).
As a result of being at the very bottom of the food chain, this little fish doesn’t have time to accumulate dangerous levels of pollution in its body. Still, you’ll need to do your own homework before deciding whether or not to subject your pet to any of it, as there is some degree of risk involved.
Fresh or dried, there are no fish bones to worry about when eating anchovies. They can eat the bones without worrying about them getting stuck in their throats because the bones are easily digestible.
You should be aware of two potential hazards: food allergies and the high sodium content of canned anchovies.
Be on the lookout for an allergic reaction whenever you feed your dog a new food. Symptoms may include itchiness, runny nose, and coughing.
Dehydrated or fresh anchovies, rather than canned, are the best option for your dog’s health. Canned anchovies contain too much sodium to be given to a dog.
Are Anchovies Good For Dogs
Canines benefit from eating anchovies, yes. As a source of essential minerals, they are essential to your puppy’s development and growth.
Protein, essential fatty acids, and high concentrations of DHA can all be found in anchovies. Benefits include a healthier brain, heart, and coat.
Anchovies Nutrition
It’s well known that anchovies are a great source of protein, but that’s not all they’re good for.
There are in an average three-ounce serving of anchovies:
- Nutrients: 111 calories
- 17 grams of protein
- 4 grams of fat
- Absence of all sugar, fiber, and carbs.
Anchovies Benefits
Benefits of anchovies for both humans and dogs are numerous.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two types of omega-3 fatty acids found in anchovy fish oil.
EPA’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in the avoidance or alleviation of joint pain and contribute to the general health of the immune system.
To put it simply, DHA is fantastic for normal brain growth.
They contain amino acids that are important for proper nerve and muscle development.
An additional benefit of feeding your dog anchovies is that they will get a healthy dose of energy from the b vitamins they contain.
Benefits of Feeding Anchovies to Dogs
Feeding your dog anchovies may help them with:
Anchovies’ omega-3 fatty acid content gives them anti-inflammatory properties, which may make them a healthier option for your dog’s diet.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two essential fatty acids, are abundant in anchovies and have been shown to support brain development and memory. Ten to twenty percent of your puppy’s brain is made up of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), making it an essential building block in the development of your dog’s brain and brain functions (especially memory). Your dog’s intelligence will increase thanks to its excellent memory.
Selenium, a mineral found in anchovies, aids in digestion and helps keep your dog’s metabolism in check.
Anchovies’ omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients can help support your dog’s skin and coat’s health, and there’s some evidence to suggest they can also increase the thickness and shine of your dog’s coat. Skin issues like dryness, sensitivity, and itchiness may find relief from their hydrating properties.
Provide a plethora of nutrients: anchovies are a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, among others. The cardiovascular system, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and immune system are all affected by the lack or presence of these nutrients.
Hazards to Consider When Feeding Anchovies to Dogs
There are some things to keep in mind before adding anchovies to your dog’s diet:
Allergic reactions
Fish allergies in dogs are extremely unusual. Due to their low position in the food chain, anchovies may be a source of allergens such as heavy metals or pollutants.
Avoid feeding your dog anchovies if you notice any of the following symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive scratching or licking of the skin.
Too much fat
Anchovies are an excellent addition to a dog’s diet because of the fat content.
However, dogs with delicate stomachs should avoid eating too much of this oily fish.
Keep away from canned anchovies that are swimming in oil. Omega-6 fatty acid is abundant in olive oil and other oils, but your dog is probably getting enough of it from his regular food.
Adding oil-packed anchovies to your dog’s diet won’t provide any nutritional value beyond increasing the total number of calories.
Too much salt
Too much sodium is bad for dogs, and anchovies are very salty. You should not feed your dog anchovies that have been flavored, spiced, or marinated, as this can cause digestive issues.
The daily salt intake for a dog weighing between 33 and 35 pounds is 100 milligrams, as per the advice of the Board of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, swelling, and lethargy are all symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs.
Get your dog’s veterinary opinion on how many anchovies are right for his size and health condition.
Types of Anchovies to Feed Your Dog
Choices of anchovies that are good for you include:
1.Most pet stores stock freeze-dried anchovies and other dog treats that include anchovies.
2.Unsalted anchovy tins can be stored in the fridge for up to three days after opening.
3.An excellent option for most dogs is fresh, raw anchovies, which can be found in the seafood section of the supermarket or at a local fish market. They’ll keep for about three days in the fridge.
4.Anchovies are available frozen or thawed at most supermarkets, fish markets, and even some pet supply stores.
5.Dried anchovies without any added salt, flavorings, or salt: Invest in resealable bags of dried anchovies. Make sure the bag is completely sealed, and store them somewhere cool and dry. Labels indicating that they have been dehydrated or freeze-dried may appear.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Anchovies
As a small fish, anchovies make a fantastic treat or snack for your canine companion. The tiny fish can be mixed into your dog’s kibble or wet food.
The bones are completely non-hazardous because they are so tender and simple to chew. To make the anchovy easier to chew for a small dog, you can cut it into smaller pieces.
When introducing anchovies to a dog for the first time, it’s best to give them just one fish and keep an eye out for any reactions.
Consult a vet right away if you notice any symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, or if your pet is scratching or licking itself excessively.
Can Puppies Eat Anchovies
Although anchovies are safe for smaller dogs, they should be avoided when feeding them to puppies. Puppies and young dogs often have trouble digesting certain foods. It’s best to stick to the same diet until they’re a little older.
Can Dogs Eat Anchovies In Olive Oil
Many people who own dogs justify feeding their pets anchovies marinated in olive oil on the grounds that it is a healthy and safe fat. Dogs should eat fresh or dehydrated anchovies, not anchovies packed in olive oil.
Anchovies in olive oil provide empty calories to your dog. While it may be risk-free, the benefits far outweigh the potential dangers.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Anchovies
Dried anchovies are a good option for your dog’s diet. This tasty and nutritious snack is perfect for on-the-go. Completely dehydrated anchovies are a common item. Simply give it to your dog as is, and they will devour it.
Anchovies For Dogs
If you’re looking for a healthy and safe treat for your dog, look for dried anchovies. When your dog tries these dehydrated anchovies for dogs once, he or she will beg for more.
Can dogs eat raw anchovies? It’s up to the owner to decide if they want to risk giving their dog raw fish. These tiny raw fish are perfectly safe to eat, but they’re not very pleasant to handle (not to mention quite pungent).
Anchovy oil for dogs is available if you don’t like the taste or smell of anchovies. In order to provide your dog with the same health benefits, simply pump some oil onto their food.
Find a recipe for anchovy dog treats online if you don’t mind handling raw fish or chopping it up.
Anchovies or Sardines For Dogs
Your furry pal is adaptable enough to enjoy both anchovies and sardines. If you want to give your pet a healthy treat, you can’t go wrong with either of these two types of small fish.
Small pieces of fish are a delicious reward for dogs.
Different Types Of Anchovies and Dogs
If you want to feed your dog anchovies, you should only give him raw or dried ones. Let’s take a look at the most popular kinds of anchovies and whether or not they’re safe for dogs to eat.
- Anchovies in their raw form are perfectly fine to eat without being cooked.
- If you have access to fresh anchovies, give them to your dog.
- It’s fine to cook anchovies, but you shouldn’t add any extra fats, salts, or seasonings to them.
- The boiled anchovies are fine, but not required.
- Do not feed your dog any kind of fried food, including anchovies. They have no need for the extra fat or calories.
- Do not feed your dog marinated anchovies because they contain too much salt.
- Do not feed your dog any pickled anchovies because they contain too much salt.
- Dogs should avoid eating salted anchovies because of the risk of sodium poisoning.
- Some dogs may be allergic to the vinegar, spices, and sugar in anchovy paste.
Final Thoughts
Anchovies, as you can see, make a fantastic snack for your dog. Keep in mind that the high sodium content of canned anchovies should discourage their consumption.
Check out these dog treat recipes if you’re looking for alternatives to using fish as an ingredient in homemade dog treats.